Air quality affects our health, comfort and the condition of the home in which we live. Newborn babies suffer especially greatly from low humidity. Dr. Komarovsky recommends maintaining it at a level of 50-70%, which is almost impossible during the heating season. The first thing you should think about in this case is a humidifier. It will help avoid dryness in the room, prevent allergies and improve the microclimate. If you have already made a purchase decision, let's choose which air humidifier is best to buy for your apartment.
Types of Humidifiers
Depending on their mechanism of action, humidifiers can be divided into three categories:
- traditional;
- ultrasonic;
- steam.
Traditional. It works on the principle of natural humidification - air is driven by a fan through a filter soaked in water and pushed out. Thanks to the traditional method of operation of the unit, there is no risk of “overdoing it” and achieving too high humidity - the air takes in as much as needed.
This humidifier has low performance, but acts gradually and safely. Dust settles inside the device, which is why you need to regularly fill it with clean water.
Due to the active operation of the fan, a traditional humidifier is often quite noisy, so it is not suitable for everyone to place in the bedroom.
Ultrasonic. In short, the water in it turns into steam by boiling at normal room temperature. This becomes possible due to the conversion of ultrasonic frequencies into mechanical vibration and the generation of waves of high and low pressure.
As a result of these processes, fine particles are produced, and the droplets thrown outside by the fan evaporate. A cold water mist appears before our eyes.
Ultrasonic humidifiers have high performance. At the same time, the quality of the water poured into the device is of great importance, because all harmful impurities enter the air along with the steam, which settle on various surfaces with a white coating and pollute our lungs. There are three ways to avoid this:
- pour distilled and purified water;
- purchase a humidifier with the function of preheating the liquid, which destroys the microorganisms contained in it;
- choose a device with the ability to ionize air.
To avoid over-humidification, it is better to ensure that the device is equipped with a hygrostat, which will determine the moisture content in the room, and then turn the device on or off.
Steam. The method of operation is similar to the operation of a regular kettle. The water inside the device heats up, and the steam, coming out, humidifies the air. This humidifier performs its task faster than its competitors, but it is better not to use it without a hygrostat.
Thanks to high temperatures, water gets rid of harmful impurities without installing additional filters. It is better to install the unit on the edge of the table so that a puddle does not form under it.
How to choose a humidifier?
When deciding which humidifier is best for your home, you should pay attention to the most important features of such devices. Therefore, a good humidifier should have:
- humidity sensor - hygrostat
- HEPA or carbon filter
- night mode
- ionization function
- modern design
Built-in hygrostat, i.e. humidity sensor
It's easy to feel low air humidity in your apartment, but when you turn on the humidifier, it's difficult to determine when to turn it off - and you must remember that too high humidity is also harmful because it creates favorable conditions for the development of, among other things, harmful fungi.
Ideally, the humidifier should be equipped with a hygrostat and hygrometer:
- a humidity sensor called a hygrostat - it will turn off the device when the humidity level begins to exceed the norm.
- air humidifier with a hygrometer - it will display the current value of air humidity, thanks to which we can independently control its level.
These features will be especially appreciated by people who are looking for a humidifier for a child , for whom, due to weak natural immunity, too high levels of air humidity can be especially dangerous.
Efficient carbon or HEPA filter
A good humidifier should have a filter to ensure quality indoor air. You may come across several types of such filters, each of which has different properties:
- carbon filter - eliminates unpleasant odors in the air,
- ceramic filter - effectively purifies water,
- HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air) - cleans the air of pollen and dust.
Which humidifier is for allergy sufferers?
An air humidifier with a HEPA filter will especially appeal to people who need an air humidifier for allergy sufferers - this filter effectively removes most mechanical impurities (pollen, dust), as well as fungi, protozoa, viruses and most bacteria. When purchasing a humidifier, it is worth checking whether the filters are replaceable - if so, are there any problems with purchasing them?
Humidifiers with night mode
An alternative would be an ultrasonic humidifier , which due to its operating principle is the quietest type of humidifier available on the market and would be ideal if you want to run it at night.
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Why is it worth paying attention to night mode?
Dry air during the day can still be tolerated, but dry air in the bedroom is a real tragedy. This causes a runny nose, makes it difficult to fall asleep and impairs the quality of sleep. For this reason, many people choose to leave their humidifier on overnight. The problem is that the sound of a humidifier that is so little audible day and night can already be bothersome, so you should consider purchasing a model that has a built-in night mode.
Humidifier with ionizer
Humidifiers with a built-in ionizer not only humidify the air, but also ionize it, producing negative ions. This is an important question if you're looking for a humidifier to work in rooms with a lot of electronic devices - electronics cause the formation of "electromagnetic smog", that is, a large number of positive ions, attracting viruses and bacteria and allowing fungal spores to remain in the air.
Air ionization helps reduce the harmful effects of electrosmog on your health. Many also say that ionized air gives a feeling of freshness comparable to the feeling, for example, in a forest.
Modern design
It doesn't matter if you need a humidifier in the summer or fall - no matter the season, a good humidifier should look good. Just a few years ago, all humidifiers looked almost the same. Today, each manufacturer has focused on individuality, so a modern air humidifier can be easily adapted to the room.
You should know that a humidifier must be kept in an open place at all times to perform its role effectively. With a choice of humidifiers in a variety of colors and graphics, you're sure to find the right humidifier for your home and office.
How to choose a good one
Before choosing a humidifier, you need to pay attention to the criteria that play a primary role for you and additional functions. Be sure to consider before purchasing the device:
- Room size. Manufacturers indicate in the instructions how much area the humidifier covers. The larger the room, the larger the water tank and the higher the intensity should be.
- Water consumption and tank capacity. Calculate the time it takes for water to evaporate from a full tank. It should not be less than 8 hours, otherwise the device will notify you in the middle of the night that you need to add water.
- Noise level. Here we are talking not only about the constant hum of the device, but also about additional sound signals - a low water level indicator or “gurgling” during operation.
- Energy consumption. Typically, a steam humidifier consumes the most electricity, followed by ultrasonic and traditional ones.
- The presence of a hygrometer, hygrostat. You can set the desired humidity level and device. Having achieved it, it will automatically turn off.
- Control type. There are three ways: built-in panel, remote control or smartphone. There are also models equipped with a smart home system (for example, Xiaomi).
- Backlight. Light indicators on the panel will provide information about the humidity level and operating mode even at night, but excessive brightness can interfere with sleep.
- Ergonomics. Evaluate how convenient it will be for you to use the humidifier, the ability to add water, change the filter, and clean the device itself.
- Ionization (increase in negatively charged particles) and aromatization of air.
Before purchasing, decide which features are worth paying extra for.
Pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of humidifiers is their simplicity of design and low cost. A cold mist humidifier costs half as much as a steam appliance of the same capacity. Evaporative type equipment is very easy to operate, maintainable and durable. In addition, during the process of evaporating the liquid using the “hot method”, most pathogenic microbes and bacteria present in the water are destroyed.
In addition, such a device is safe. Since water is heated in portions, the entire supply of water in the container is not heated. Even if you turn the device over, it is impossible to get burned by water.
A traditional air humidifier without replaceable filters produces a fairly large amount of mineral salts, and the main advantage of steam devices is the absence of salt deposits on furniture, household items and in the human nasopharynx during steam formation, as happens with most other types of humidifiers.
But, along with the advantages, evaporative-type devices also have many disadvantages:
- Heating the air in the room. In winter, this can be considered an advantage, but the use of steam climate equipment is supposed to be used year-round, therefore, few people will like the rise in temperature in their home during the summer heat.
- Noise level. Such a device makes louder noise than an ultrasonic device, but users say that you can sleep under it.
- Since the device emits hot steam, in families with small children it should be kept out of their reach.
- “Not weak” consumption of water and electricity. Devices of this type are quite “gluttonous” and their use is not a cheap pleasure.
- Do not forget that this climate control equipment is, first of all, an electrical appliance, and therefore a device of increased danger.
Scope of application of evaporation equipment
An evaporative type device is used to increase the level of humidity in residential and industrial premises. But, in addition, steam humidifiers have found wide application in medicine, as inhalers. The medicine is added to a reservoir of water and it evaporates, filling the entire volume of the room.
Such devices are widely used in aromatherapy. By adding aromatic oils to a container of water, the room is filled with unique aromas.
This type of device has also found its application among summer residents. By installing this device in a greenhouse, both the temperature and humidity in it increase, which has a beneficial effect on the plants.
Advice! You should not use the device in children's rooms if children are between 2 and 5 years old. Children at this age are the most inquisitive, and hot steam can injure a child.
Despite some disadvantages, steam humidifiers are excellent and useful climate control equipment that will always help increase the humidity level in your home.
Traditional humidifiers
Ballu EHB-010
Average price: 2900 rub.
| Power: | 18 W. |
| Performance: | 200 ml/h |
| Volume: | 2.1 l |
| Room area: | 30 sq. m |
| Dimensions (w×h×d, mm): | 250×345×250 |
| Weight: | 2.1 kg |
| Noise level: | 26 dB |
The Ballu concern supplies our market with a budget compact air humidifier with a simple design. Due to the low rate of water evaporation, it is able to work all night without stopping. The sponge inside the device absorbs dust well and requires replacement every six months. Buyers complain about frequent fan breakdowns.
Ballu EHB-010
Advantages
- several evaporation modes;
- aromatization;
- night mode, which makes the fan run quieter;
- water control function;
- sleep timer;
- low declared noise level
Flaws
- slowly moisturizes;
- no hygrometer;
- poor ergonomics;
- It is necessary to replace the sponge 2 times a year.
Coway AM-1012ED
Average price: 13190 rub.
| Power: | 56 W |
| Performance: | 660 ml/h |
| Volume: | 4.5 l |
| Room area: | 65 sq. m |
| Dimensions (w×h×d, mm): | 312×409×312 |
| Weight: | 6.3 kg |
| Noise level: | 45 dB |
The model from the South Korean company, unlike its previous competitor, is equipped with a hygrostat. It has a pre-filter that does not require replacement, and the cartridges are easy to clean. The automatic operating mode calculates the optimal humidity.
Coway AM-1012ED
Advantages
- ionization;
- 3 operating speeds, including night mode;
- convenient pouring of water from above;
- timer;
- auto shut-off function when there is no water;
- aromatization.
Flaws
- inaccurate hygrostat;
- loud melody when turning the device on and off;
- high price.
Philips HU 4706 / HU 4707
Average price: 4900 rub.
| Power: | 14 W |
| Performance: | 150 ml/h |
| Volume: | 1.3 l |
| Room area: | 15 sq. m |
| Dimensions (w×h×d, mm): | 162×308×198 |
| Weight: | 1.36 kg |
| Noise level: | 40 dB |
A compact device from a well-known brand with the NanoCloud function is designed to purify and humidify the air in a small room. Stylish design and comfortable ergonomics make it a pleasant part of any interior.
Philips HU 4706 / HU 4707
Advantages
- low power consumption;
- convenient to pour water;
- 2 operating speeds, including night mode;
- Automatic shut-off function when there is no water.
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Disadvantages
- no hygrometer;
- poor room humidity;
- The filter needs to be replaced every 3 months (can be found on Aliexpress for little money).
Ultrasonic humidifiers
Boneco U700
Average price: 14520 rub.
| Power: | 180 W |
| Performance: | 600 ml/h |
| Volume: | 9 l |
| Room area: | 80 sq. m |
| Dimensions (w×h×d, mm): | 325×360×190 |
| Weight: | 4.6 kg |
| Noise level: | 25 dB |
Thanks to the large tank, the premium model from the Swiss company can work without adding water for 15-20 hours. Due to the presence of a demineralizing cartridge, pre-heating of water and an ionizing silver rod Ionic Silver Stick, harmful impurities do not enter the air, and a white coating does not form on the furniture.
Boneco U700
Advantages
- aromatization;
- air purification;
- fan speed adjustment;
- timer;
- the ability to dim the display and illuminate the case at night;
- low notification volume;
- adjustment of the direction of blowing and humidification;
- control of water level and cleaning of the device;
- large water tank.
Flaws
- inconvenient to pour water;
- noisy;
- the concentrate settles inside and around the device itself;
- incorrect hygrostat;
- The stated performance is not true.
Timberk THU ADF 01
Average price: 2322 rub.
| Power: | 12 W |
| Performance: | 30 ml/h |
| Volume: | 0.12 l |
| Room area: | 8 sq. m |
| Dimensions (w×h×d, mm): | 160×84×160 |
| Weight: | 0.5 kg |
| Noise level: | 26 dB |
The youthful, inexpensive model focuses on creating an atmosphere - the device works primarily as a fragrance, night light, speaker, and only then as an air humidifier.
Timberk THU ADF 01
Advantages
- Bluetooth connection with phone: support iOS, Android;
- acoustics 3 W;
- 4 colors and 3 types of backlight;
- flavoring;
- small size.
Flaws
- the need to add water every 4 hours;
- poor hydration;
- no hygrometer.
Electrolux EHU-3710D/3715D
Average price: 7240 rub.
| Power: | 110 W |
| Performance: | 450 ml/h |
| Volume: | 5 l |
| Room area: | 45 sq. m |
| Dimensions (w×h×d, mm): | 209×382×209 |
| Noise level: | 35 dB |
The humidifier from the Swedish company is equipped with a demineralizing cartridge, water preheating, an ionizer function and a UV lamp, so it works as an air purifier and helps to avoid white deposits.
Electrolux EHU-3710D/3715D
Advantages
- adjustment of the direction of blowing and humidification;
- fan speed adjustment;
- aromatization;
- antibacterial coating of the water tank;
- backlight;
- 4 operating modes;
- remote control;
- timer;
- indication of low water level, humidity and temperature.
Flaws
- heavy condensation;
- an erroneous hygrometer, due to which the room is over-humidified;
- the screen is too bright, there is no backlighting of the buttons;
- a filter cartridge that needs to be changed frequently is difficult to find on sale;
- inconvenient to fill with water.
Steam humidifiers
Ballu UHB-310
Average price: 2055 rub.
| Power: | 25 W |
| Performance: | 300 ml/h |
| Volume: | 3 l |
| Room area: | 40 sq. m |
| Dimensions (w×h×d, mm): | 176×226×176 |
| Weight: | 1.21 kg |
| Noise level: | 38 dB |
A reliable model that truly cleans and humidifies the air thanks to the demineralizing cartridge and pre-filter. The only device that definitely will not interfere with night sleep is that there is no bright lighting or loud sounds.
Ballu UHB-310
Advantages
- adjustment of the direction of blowing and humidification;
- 3 operating modes;
- aromatization;
- emergency shutdown in case of strong tilt or rollover;
- low water level indication;
- Convenient to pour water.
Flaws
- no hygrometer;
- replace the filter every 3 months.
NeoClima NHL-060
Average price: 3180 rub.
| Power: | 24 W |
| Performance: | 300 ml/h |
| Volume: | 6 l |
| Room area: | 30 sq. m |
| Dimensions (w×h×d, mm): | 260×390×210 |
| Weight: | 2.3 kg |
| Noise level: | 36 dB |
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There is only one power button on the humidifier body, which is also a fan speed control. A simple workhorse that effectively humidifies the air. According to consumer reviews, condensation accumulates around and inside the device.
NeoClima NHL-060
Advantages
- low water level indication and auto shut-off;
- silence of work;
- unobtrusive lighting;
- Moisturizes a small room well.
Flaws
- signal volume;
- a puddle forms under the device;
- inconvenient to fill with water;
- no hygrometer.
Beurer LB 50
Average price: 6200 rub.
| Power: | 380 W |
| Performance: | 350 ml/h |
| Volume: | 5 l |
| Room area: | 50 sq. m |
| Dimensions (w×h×d, mm): | 280x315x235 |
| Weight: | 2.8 kg |
| Noise level: | 30 dB |
A steam humidifier has two steam supply intensities, and on the second it raises the room temperature by literally half a degree. It is easy to maintain, but you will have to do it often - scale forms inside the device, which must be disposed of in a timely manner.
Beurer LB 50
Advantages
- demineralizing cartridge;
- aromatization;
- low water level indication with auto shut-off;
- ease of maintenance.
Flaws
- scale;
- no hygrometer.
Boneco S450
Average price: 15990 rub.
| Power: | 480 W |
| Performance: | 550 ml/h |
| Volume: | 7 l |
| Room area: | 60 sq. m |
| Dimensions (w×h×d, mm): | 334×355×240 |
| Weight: | 4.5 kg |
| Noise level: | 35 dB |
Like all steam humidifiers, the Boneco is prone to scale build-up, which needs to be cleaned at least once a week. This disadvantage is compensated by the high level of moisture and the build quality of the device.
Boneco S450
Advantages
- hygrostat;
- demineralizing cartridge;
- aromatization;
- display brightness depending on lighting conditions;
- two automatic humidity modes;
- timer;
- low water level indicator;
- good ergonomics.
Flaws
- high energy costs;
- noise level is above average;
- the need to get rid of scale;
- price.
What type of humidifiers should you prefer?
To understand which steam generator is best to choose in a given situation, we advise you to rely on the following recommendations.
- Steam models are cheaper than traditional and ultrasonic models. The price also varies depending on additional functions: the presence of a hygrometer, the ability to heat water, the presence of an LCD screen. An analog steam generator is cheaper than a digital one. The steam humidifier may also have built-in aroma capsules for a pleasant scent or healing effect. Traditional models do not have them.
- When choosing a humidifier, you should keep the noise level in mind. In order not to replace the device after a couple of months, unable to withstand the noise, you should immediately give preference to a more expensive, but quiet humidifier.
- Steam humidifiers are unpretentious in operation: they do not require replaceable cartridges or special cleaning products.
We recommend that you read: What kind of water to pour into a humidifier
Yes, increased moisture in an apartment poses a danger to humans, however, this does not mean that you can buy the first device you come across. A good humidifier must meet all the basic requirements of the buyer and meet basic quality parameters.
Comparative characteristics of humidifier models
| Model | Average price, rub. | Power, W | Productivity, ml/h | Volume, l | Noise level, dB | Size of serviced premises, sq. m | Hygrometer/hygrostat | Additional functions | Rating on a 10-point scale |
| Electrolux EHU-3710D/3715D | 7240 | 110 | 450 | 5 | 35 | 45 | Hygrostat |
| 9 |
| Boneco S450 | 15990 | 480 | 550 | 7 | 35 | 60 | Hygrostat |
| 9 |
| Coway AM-1012ED | 13190 | 56 | 660 | 4,5 | 45 | 65 | Hygrostat |
| 8 |
| Boneco U700 | 14520 | 180 | 600 | 9 | 25 | 80 | Hygrostat |
| 8 |
| Philips HU 4706 / HU 4707 | 4900 | 14 | 150 | 1,3 | 40 | 15 | – | Nanocloud function | 7 |
| Ballu UHB-310 | 2055 | 25 | 300 | 3 | 38 | 40 | – |
| 7 |
| NeoClima NHL-060 | 3180 | 24 | 300 | 6 | 36 | 30 | – |
| 7 |
| Ballu EHB-010 | 2900 | 18 | 200 | 2,1 | 26 | 30 | – | aromatization | 6 |
| Beurer LB 50 | 6200 | 380 | 350 | 5 | 30 | 50 | – |
| 6 |
| Timberk THU ADF 01 | 2322 | 12 | 30 | 0,12 | 26 | 8 | – |
| 5 |
To choose an air humidifier for your apartment, we recommend that you first decide on the set of functions that you need. It is equally important that the model fits into the interior and is pleasing to the eye. We hope our rating will help you make the right choice.
